Volkswagen unveiled 2016 Jetta GLI and it’ll have the GTI’s 210 horsepower heart.
The latest version of the GTI with a trunk will share the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine as the hot hatchback. The powerplant makes 258 lb-ft of torque, 207 of which are available at 1,500 rpm.
Although EPA mileage figures weren’t released, the GTI with the same engine is rated at 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with a six-speed manual transmission and 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. No word was given on which transmissions will be available in the 2016 Jetta GLI.
The Jetta GLI also gets a sport-tuned suspension to handle the extra power.
Outside, the GLI gets an updated look to go along with its sporting pretense. A new front fascia features a honeycomb grille and integrated fog lights, while the rear bumper has been redesigned with a diffuser and dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels complete the updated appearance and can be had with all-season tires or optional summer performance tires.
Inside, the GLI gets an updated infotainment system, along with other features like keyless access, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, a power driver seat, a backup camera and a premium sound system.
The sportiest Jetta also gets a blind spot detection system and a post-collision braking system that will apply the brakes automatically when the airbag sensors detect an accident to reduce momentum and potentially decrease additional damage.
The company hasn’t released a date for when the Jetta GLI will be available for sale. Volkswagen has offered the GLI in the United States since 1984.
Watch this TFLcar video review of the GLI’s little brother, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8L:
